Christmas Party Nights Out to Remember

It is almost the most wonderful time of the year, which means the annual office Christmas féte is just around the corner! If you are the one tasked with choosing the venue, you may be wracking your brain to find the perfect spot to get your colleagues feeling festive or the ultimate girl’s night out destination.

Whatever the number, you all deserve a little treat at Christmas, so the picks below will ensure that you mark the yuletide season in high spirits and wonderful surroundings, whatever kind of group you have. From delicious meals to memorable nights out, there is something to get everyone in the festive spirit!

BEST FOR…FOODIE GROUPS

Taste at Rustic

There are few places in Dublin that will leave you gobsmacked by the intensity and flavour of dishes being served, but Taste at Rustic is one such rarity. Set yourself up for the season of stodge by taking taking your gang here, where the dishes are clean and delicate and even the most adventurous palate will be excited. Many of the dishes on offer are designed to share, making it perfect for both large and small groups of food lovers.

Luna

Embrace your inner glamour puss and transport your group to 1950’s New York at Luna. The RAI Best Restaurant in Dublin 2016 offers incredible Italian inspired dishes served in opulent booths by the best dressed waiting staff you are ever likely to come across. Plus, the red velvet hues of the dining room could definitely be construed as festive! The holiday season is all about indulgence and top pastry chef Aoife Noonan’s dessert trolley will have you all feeling like Christmas has come early. Buon Natale!

BEST FOR…COCKTAIL LOVERS

Peruke and Periwig

When sublimely crafted cocktails are the top priority for your Christmas night out, there are few party spots better than uber chic Peruke and Periwig. Get nice and cosy in Peruke’s snug setting as you imbibe hand crafted creations that will put you all in the festive spirit.

The Liquor Rooms

If you have an office full of would be Don Drapers, then The Liquor Rooms is definitely where you should be headed. Here you can unwind with an aged Old Fashioned, bottled and served for five people with exceptional taste! An inventive and extensive cocktail list makes this a perfect spot to spend your party night and this underground bar on Wellington Quay is always buzzing.

BEST FOR…SOMETHING DIFFERENT

The Crypt in Christchurch

If you’re looking to ‘wow’ the office with your impressive party organizing skills, The Cryptis definitely top of the list- who else would have thought to book out the magnificent crypt under Christchurch Cathedral for the office party? Here the possibilities are infinite; chose an extravagant 5 course banquet or simply turn the inimitable space into a breathtaking stage for simple drinks and canapés.

Ukiyo

If your group is filled with closet X-Factor hopefuls and extroverts, why not shake things up with dinner and Karaoke in Ukiyo? Sample a selection of delicious sushi and sashimi, more than a few sakes and you will all be ready for a night of crooning. Just be prepared for fights over who gets to embrace their inner Mariah with a rendition of All I Want for Christmas is You.

Teeling Distillery

If you happen to have an office full of whiskey aficionados or those with a thirst for learning, organise an outing to Teeling’s Distillery. Before partying the night away at the Distillery’s bar, experience the truly fascinating ‘Teeling’s Whiskey Tour’- just to ensure that everyone is primed for a night of whiskey and mischief.

BEST FOR…LARGE GROUPS

Fallon and Byrne

For large parties who want to wine and dine, Fallon and Byrne makes the perfect destination. With the wine selection literally ‘at arms reach’ , while the night away sipping on The Cellar’s extensive wine collection as you sate your Christmas cravings with Fallon and Byrne’s specially created Christmas Menu. Centrally located on Exchequer street, starting your night here could turn into a tour of town’s late night bars.

The Guinness Storehouse

For large parties in search of something a little more informal, why not surprise the office with a Guinness Storehouse tour. Follow this up with a night in the Storehouse’s Gravity Bar, with a spectacular 360 view of the Dublin skylineand you’re sure to be the most popular in the office till next year – raise a Christmas toast with pints for everyone!

The Marker

The Marker is the perfect post work venue, a chic urban oasis for the stylish set. There is no better place to bring your elegant workforce, whatever the number. The Marker’s roof top bar, overlooking the bright lights of the city is hard to beat for a night on the town.

BEST FOR…SMALL GROUPS

Dylan Hotel

Christmas at Dylan is a sight to behold, with this boutique D4 address turning into every would be Christmas Elf’s dream. Chef Mark Bodie will be serving up exquisite takes on classic Christmas fayre and Dylan’s 12 Cocktails of Christmas is the ultimate collection of festive tipples you simply have to try. Two Turtle Doves, a delicious mix of Jameson Irish Whiskey, Baileys, Frangelico fresh cream, chocolate and mint bitters is like Christmas in a glass and is sure to get you and your cohort in the festive spirit.

Cavern

For a more intimate group, why not cosy up and unwind after a hectic year, there’s no more inviting and relaxed setting than Cavern on Baggot Street. Here you can all choose your favourite wine from Baggot Wines upstairs, before heading down to Cavern to graze on charcuterie and cheese boards and bond over a shared love of fine wine.

Bow Lane

If you are looking for a delicious dinner or just petite bar bites with exquisite cocktails and a great spirit selection, Bow Lane is a perfect choice for your night on the town. Winner of the Sky Bar of the Year Award 2016 and not even open a year, Bow Lane is a hotspot to see and be seen and always has a fantastic atmosphere. Killer cocktails and fine food go hand in hand at Bow Lane, meaning it is a party gem.

Delahunt and Camden Exchange

Bib Gourmand rated food and impeccable service are the order of the night in Delahunt on buzzy Camden Street. Dinner at Delahunt will be a relaxing way to ease your small party into the night in a chilled out setting and they will definitely compliment you on your sterling restaurant choice. Afterwards, why not pop across the road to Camden Exchangeto keep the party going.

BEST FOR…GIRLS NIGHT OUT

The Apothecary Bar at Sam’s Bar

If you and your girls look forward to the annual reunion all year, then this one is the treat you truly deserve. Book your party in for a Spa day of pure pampering at The Dawson Spafollowed by dinner and drinks at Sam’s Bar. The problem with this idea? You will become the go to girl’s night out co-ordinator after planning such a fantastic evening.

Vintage Cocktail Club

For the ultimate girlie night out, get yourself a knockout party dress and head to The Vintage Cocktail Club in Temple Bar- just don’t forget to knock! Here you can reserve a table for a 2.5 hour sitting, during which you can sip on stylish cocktails and graze on delicious canapé-style bites. VCC is perfect for the girl gang that wants to make sure their feet won’t ache from standing at a bar.

Sophie’s at The Dean

Need somewhere to catch up on an eventful 2016 with the girls? The uber Instagram friendly surroundings of the ever Stylish Sophie’s at the Dean on Harcourt Street is the perfect place to get the gossip in over seriously delicious cocktails. With views over Dublin, Sophie’s lights up at nighttime and will make for a glam venue for your Christmas night out.

BEST FOR…GUYS NIGHT

Beef and Lobster

Described by Oliver Dunne himself ‘a posh Nando’s’, Beef and Lobster is the ultimate no nonsense venue serving up mammoth plates of incredible rib eye steak and buttery whole lobster. Better yet, you can satisfy any appetite with their surf and turf. This is the kind of place cravings are made of and will set your gang up well for a night of celebrations.

Fade Street Social

Always a solid choice, few will complain when you announce Fade Street Social as this year’s Christmas night destination. Whether it is gastro bar bites or a delicious dinner you’re after, there’s something for everyone at Fade Street Social. After filling up on drool-worthy dished like Lamb T-Bone or Wood-fired Flatbreads, take the party upstairs to the Wintergarden for beers and fantastic cocktails with a stylish crowd.

Cleaver East

With a wide selection of Christmas menus to chose from, all the guys will be well catered for whatever their style, in The Clarence’s sophisticated yet chilled out open dining room at Cleaver East. This place is home of the #pornburger. Need I say more?

ARTICLE BY DARINA COFFEY

Growing up with the name Darina, I was constantly asked if I could cook like my namesake. With that(and greed) as the ultimate motivator, I realised that baked goods make excellent bribes and an obsession was born! With bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law I undertook a PhD, but a preference for cookbooks to textbooks persisted. As a (self-confessed!) demon in the kitchen, I am the only person to have contested both Masterchef and the Great Irish Bake off, fuelling my desire to focus on food in a serious way. Working with TheTaste allows me to satisfy this craving and marries my food fascination with my love of writing and ranting.

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